February 1, 2016

Valentine’s Day and rosy perfumes

Roses, pink grapefruit, peony, cotton candy: We’re looking at love through rose-coloured perfume bottles.

Though fragrance is most appreciated for its ability to influence mood and actions, sometimes we’re all about the pretty packaging. This month, we’re inspired by the colours of the eau—pink to be exact.

These rosy spritzes look—and smell—the part when it comes to being well-suited to Valentine’s Day.

Chanel Chance Eau Vive

Pink: as in zesty, pink grapefruit

Notes: grapefruit, blood orange, jasmine, cedar and iris

Wear for: a Valentine’s Day spent exploring the city. Wandering, browsing, stopping in galleries, trying somewhere new for lunch—you’ll need this upbeat citrus toilette to keep you energized for an activity-packed day.

Chanel Chance Eau Vive EDT, $88 (50 ml), at Chanel beauty counters

Balenciaga L’eau Rose

Pink: as in an earthy garden filled with pink flowers and red berries

Notes: blackberry, violet, rose, patchouli, musk, cedar, cypress

Wear for: a date night at home. This perfume is pretty and sophisticated enough to wear for a dinner out, but its woodsy base makes it a great choice for cozy sweaters and a home-cooked meal to be enjoyed with your significant other in front of the fireplace.

Balenciaga L’eau Rose EDP, $90 (50 ml), at www.nordstrom.com

Atkinsons Rose in Wonderland

Pink: as in classic roses

Notes: rose, currant buds, geranium, amber, vetiver

Wear for: a busy Valentine’s Day. Maybe you need to run some errands or you have to taxi the kiddos around—it doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the iconic scent of the occasion: rose. The softness of this fragrance is the perfect background scent to remind you to stop and smell the flowers.

Atkinsons Rose in Wonderland EDP, $240 (100 ml), at Holt Renfrew

Oscar de la Renta Flor

Pink: as in a bright, pink bouquet—sans roses

Notes: neroli, lychee, ivy, peony, pink jasmine, mango, cassis, tonka bean, musk

Wear for: a traditional Valentine’s Day celebration. The dinner. The gift. The candles and the bouquet. If Valentine’s Day is your favourite holiday, pair this spritz with a pretty dress (in red or pink, natch) and enjoy the evening.

Oscar de la Renta Flor, $88 (100 ml), www.thebay.com

Rihanna RiRi

Pink: as in cotton candy

Notes: passionfruit, rum, cassis, mandarin orange, honeysuckle, jasmine, pink freesia, vanilla, musk, sandalwood

Wear for: a Valentine’s Day plans that revolves around the bedroom. Although the sweet top notes fade, lingering rum and vanilla essences create an edible, sexy impression. Wear with lacy lingerie—or nothing at all.

Rihanna RiRi EDP, $59 (50 ml), at Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall